Posted by
ValiantForTruth on Thursday, June 19, 2008 3:15:58 PM
“Have we forgotten that America made its greatest progress when Conservative principles were honored and preserved?" -Senator Goldwater
Yes, and neither will we acknowledge the origin of conservative principles. That would take us back to those colonial Americans who derived and implemented what we now call conservatism based on their Biblical Theology...
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to summarize Biblical Theology, do not carry the authority of Scripture.
Religious Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Free Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19-20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness.
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of His Church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests.
Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and His people. As priests, we can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God.